Utilities, county wrestle yurts from bridge

2017-02-11 | For The Madera Tribune

For The Madera Tribune

Sheriff’s deputies and utility and Madera County workers spent 4-5 hours freeing two circular tents (aka yurts) earlier this week after they became lodged at an Oakhurst bridge, blocking the flow of water.

Sheriff’s deputies and utility and Madera County workers spent 4-5 hours freeing two circular tents (aka yurts) earlier this week after they became lodged at an Oakhurst bridge, blocking the flow of water.

The yurts had been swept away from High Sierra RV Park during Tuesday’s storm and drifted down the Fresno River to the bridge at Road 426 and Civic Circle.

Sierra Telephone Company and PG&E quickly responded to assist the Madera County Sheriff’s Office to remove the yurts and restore water flow. PG&E personnel looped rope around one yurt and transferred it to the embankment in one piece, according to the sheriff’s office, while the other yurt had to be broken down and removed to prevent more debris from clogging the river.

Crews from the Madera County Road Department and Sierra Telephone assisted, using two back hoes and other equipment. Removal efforts took approximately 4-5 hours. Afterwards the county jail’s community service work crew completed clean up on the banks.